Syeikh Nawawi al-Bantani on Zuhd: A Spiritual Remedy for Compulsive Consumerism

This study explores Shaykh Nawawi al-Bantani’s concept of zuhd as a framework for addressing compulsive shopping behavior. Rooted in materialistic tendencies, shopaholism reflects excessive and uncontrolled consumption, leading to psychological and social con­cerns. This qualitative research employs a literature review of Shaykh Nawawi’s works on Sufism and zuhd, analyzed through an analytical-descriptive approach. Findings indicate that, according to Shaykh Na­wawi, zuhd is a psychological and spiritual state in which worldly pos­sessions are perceived as insignificant. His concept of zuhd effectively mitigates compulsive shopping through three key principles: (a) true inner peace derives from devotion to the God rather than material wealth or status; (b) excessive attachment to possessions fosters anxiety and depression; and (c) zuhd promotes ethical wealth management in line with Islamic teachings. This study argues that Shaykh Nawawi’s zuhd provides a transformative paradigm for reducing materialistic tendencies and fostering a spiritually conscious approach to consump­tion. Integrating zuhd into contemporary consumer ethics can enhance financial discipline and psychological well-being, ultimately countering the detrimental effects of consumerism.